Thin wire and small bike lock
 

I don't need a bike lock most of the time, but there are times when I would like a bare minimum thin wire and keyed lock. The type of thing that would keep a teen ager from waking away with the bike for a joy ride, but wouldn't stop a dedicated thief.

Does anyone have something like this?
Is it something I should order or something I should go to lowes and make?

guess it depends on your perspective, I personally am not keen on having a key to lose, so prefer a simple coil lock that isnt too heavy, packs small yet can still get around a tree etc. Coil locks tend to have plastic on them so they won't scratch your frame. As you say, these are situations where we are really stopping opportunistic thefts.

I use a snowboard leash. It's a thin coiled cable with a combo lock. Mine was well under $10 from REI. It won't stop a thief with wire cutters, but will encourage a casual passerby to consider easier prey instead.

+1

This sounds exactly like what you're looking for. (Snowboard Lock)

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...snowboard+lock

Most bike shops have smaller cables designed for leashing a valuable seat to the frame, but with the addition of a padlock, they work well for walk-off locks.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31S4CPYNT6L.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/OnGuard-Akita-...ike+seat+cable

I've used the inexpensive, plastic housing retractable cable locks in the past and wasn't impressed with the build quality. These days when I ride down to the coffee shop I use an OnGuard Atika Short with a miniature aluminum housing combination lock. A small brass keyed lock would work as well.

I have often used a small lock like skiers use to lock up their skis, but it is a combination lock, not keyed. But I only use it when I run into a restaurant where the bike is parked in front of a window. My goal is to stop the thief long enough for me to run outside if it looks like a problem is developing. I am not sure what a snowboard leash is (as cited above), but maybe it is the same thing - but I bought my locks before snowboards were invented.

I have never put my bike on a bike rack in the front of a bus, but I have heard of cases where a bus is stopped and someone walking past will grab a bike off the rack and ride off with it. If I did put my bike on a bus rack, I would use something like the skier lock to keep a wheel from turning.

I made up a Long relatively thin cable, loops,+ lock from materials I found at the hardware store ,

[plastic coated cable.. aluminum bang them shut with a hammer, fittings]

with it when I camp at night , I can lock my bike to trees and picnic benches, so I can sleep.

+1 - this is what I use, it weighs a little less than a pound, and will stop all but a dedicated thief. I hang it off one of the buckles on my front panniers so it's easy to get at when ever I stop. I'm paranoid about bike theft, though, I lock up my bike when ever I step way, even if I can see it out the window.

I love the idea of a snow board or ski lock for how light and easy they are to use, but I think that someone could bust it with a really good pull.